Tech class/workshop feeler

Hi,

I am toying with the idea of putting on a tech class/workshop at The Path. The idea would be that our big back workshop with 5 work stations shuts down early one day, say around 5 pm. There would be 5 spots available, one complete workstation for each person. Myself and two or three other techs would be circulating around the workshop giving assistance, instructions and tech support for whatever maintenance or repairs that you want to do on your bike. You would have full access to our tools, and equipment. The class/workshop would be 3-4 hours.

I am looking for feedback. I know that some shops have done similar things for free at times. Is this something that some of you would be interested in paying for? If so, how much?

Thanks

 

REI offers a comprehensive class for $75 that I've heard good things about.

 

Are you serving BEER?

shitty

 

I went to one of these some months back at another shop, and it was pretty cool. It was great to have a couple of shop techs plus a bunch of very knowledgeable STR vets pitching in to help out. It was a little chaotic though as people were trying to demo different procedures in a relatively small space.

I might suggest you specify whether you want to hold an intro-level session or advanced. Intro could cover basics like cleaning and lubing, changing tires, fixing chains, and maybe basic drivetrain adjustments, while the advanced session might get into stuff like brake bleeding, hub and BB service, and drivetrain & suspension voodoo. It'd also be great if the shop is open to attendees so they can buy parts as needed and maybe install them on the spot.

I'd also suggest making it a pot-luck. There's only so much wrenching that can be done without food and refreshments

I guess the cost I'd be willing to pay would depend on the format and duration, but I would definitely be willing to pay something.

 

+1 Waldo idea - cover different areas, on different days, e.g., brakes, suspension, drivetrain, wheels. etc...

Food and Drink a necessity and DEFINITELY worth the price. Also, ability to purchase parts and install huge benefit!

Count me in on drivetrain and wheel night!!

 

Thanks for the great suggestions.

I was hoping to limit the chaos by limiting the number of attendees to the number of fully functioning work stations (fully stocked with tools) that we have.

My idea was that there would be friendly qualified techs on the clock to help with whatever procedure each person wishes to do on their bike. If needed, we would be happy to start with some diagnosis training, and discussion of what maintenance your ride may need.

Would you still be concerned about chaos, or defining what level, or content of info would be covered?

You would definitely be able to buy stuff. Prob at a little better than regular str discount (esp tools).

Food and beverages...mmmm yes. We would probably just supply that.




How

See my post above, and let me know if you think we should still do special nights with focuses on different parts/issues.

Thanks

 

I'd like a class on Wheelbuilding.

 

+2 Waldo idea. I'd be interested in an "intro level" session and willing to pay a small fee ($25-50)for it.

 

Same here.

 

I would love to do a class on brake bleeds, changing pads, rotors.

I am still trying to figure out why hydraulic brake cables aren't transparent. Wouldn't that make it easier to locate those troublesome air bubbles in the line?

 

+5 on the tech classes Tani. Beth,not necessarilly.Sometimes air gets trapped in the calipers and lever area.-Lloyd :wave:

 

Waldo's idea sems very interesting

 

this sounds like a great idea! i'de like to learn more abut servicing bearings on the wheel hubs, bottom brackets, and headsets.

 

Yeah, I think I need this too... #-o I got the brake bleed down... just need to learn the rest of it (obviously!)...

A drivetrain workshop would be cool too.

I think the best idea would be to do workshops by topic/bike component.

I'd be willing to pay $25-$60 depending on what gets done on my bike and how much of a discount on parts/tools...

 

I'm liking the evolution here. Not to commit you to too much here Tani, but how about occasional (bi-monthly? quarterly?) sessions focused on certain tasks and techniques, with sales in the store to match? For example, November could be brake month, with brake systems and components on special, plus a maintenance workshop on installation, line cutting, pad replacement, bleeding, etc. It could be a couple hour workshop with one or two of your techs demonstrating for the first hour, then a little food/drink/Q&A time, then work time for those who bring their bikes. If you have 5 workstations, you could probably accommodate 10-15 people per session, since some would only want to see demos or might just need quick fixes. And if you have the space, some of us could bring extra workstands to accommodate more than 5 bikes at a time.

And maybe a basic maintenance workshop could happen every few months. (Buy a bike, get a free intro workshop?) I bet there are plenty of experienced STR folks who'd volunteer to help out in exchange for a t-shirt or something, instead of tying up your staff. If the weather's nice, that could even happen in the parking lot with a BBQ...and a sale!

 

+1

Whatever the cost is, in labor, for a wheel to be built times 2 (or maybe even 3) should be fair.

 

Yea what Waldo said. I'd be most interested in an "Advance session hub, BB service, drivetrain or suspension voodoo". I'd add have 5 primary stations or whatever the number is and if space permits maybe one or two observers could benefit from watching and add to the shop revenue.

Great idea.

 

I would be interested. Need to change my linkage bearings. Having the right tools would make it much eaiser. Plus I would love to learn how to true a wheel.

 

What about the 'spectator sport' side of things? ohhh and is there really fluid in those break lines

I think just watching would be a good thing too. Price for no bike? Heck I'd pay full price to learn and watch...

 

+1 on brake bleeds. I just tried it myself Sunday. Don't know what I did :-k, but I made it worse and spilled brake fluid on my pads.

I'd pay maybe $50 tops.